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Utah SBDC Recognizes Home Run-Hitting Sports Business

The Small Business Development Center has selected Pro Image Sports, as a nominee for the annual 2012 regional business award. “Opening the store is a dream come true. My father was a business owner and I too have always wanted to have my own business,” said Troy Osborn, Owner of Pro Image Sports in Layton, Utah.

“I feel that I have created an opportunity for a better future. I didn’t want my future to be dependent on somebody else. This way it’s up to me whether I succeed or not.”

After more than 12 years in retail sales and management, Osborn decided to pursue his lifelong dream. On January 1, 2012, Osborn quit his job and began working on a business plan, loan applications, and paperwork to obtain a franchise license from Pro Image Sports. Osborn then contacted the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Weber State University (WSU).

“I was very impressed with Troy was when he came in to see me,” said Beverly King, SBDC Director. “I didn’t need to provide him a lot of education, he knew the business and he was prepared.”

“Beverly has been very insightful with the business plan, pro forma, and financial projections. When I took the plan to the bank for a loan, they were really impressed,” said Osborn.

With a strong business plan in place, the SBDC helped Osborn secure a substantial start-up loan through the Small Business Administration, guaranteed loan program, in the amount of $240,000. “The SBA loan gave me the confidence that I could make the business work,” said Osborn.

In April 2012, Osborn opened Pro Image Sports in the Layton Hills Mall. The store carries a broad selection of sports apparel, hats and novelties from NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAA athletic teams from throughout the U.S., including several products from WSU.

As a proud alumnus from WSU, Osborn worked to create a unique business partnership with the University’s bookstore, which has given him the opportunity to supply more WSU products than any other retailer outside of the University.  Osborn purchases WSU products directly from the bookstore at a reduced price for resale in his own store. The partnership provides the University an opportunity to further expose the WSU brand, while helping Osborn increase sales revenue.
Osborn has surpassed the store’s performance goals by 20 – 30% every month since the business opened. Though it’s just the beginning, Osborn and King are confident that the business will continue to grow and achieve long-term success.

The UT SBDC provides consulting, training and other resources to emerging and existing small business owners in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Lead UT SBDC Center at Salt Lake Community College, and other colleges and universities in the state.   To learn more about the UT SBDC program, please visit www.utahsbdc.org.

For more information about Pro Image Sports visit www.proimage.net or call Troy Osborn at 801-544-5883.

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